“Our journey was definitely not an easy one but it was worth it,” Moussa El Hayek, Chief Operating Officer tells TTN in an interview. “We have hosted a couple of million guests over these years, surpassing the unforeseen pandemic without closing the hotel for even a single day and this is something quite gratifying. Although globally the hospitality industry was brought down to its knees, we managed to pull through and have even hosted two comeback events for Fazza Championships, post-pandemic this year.
“Over the past more than two decades, Al Bustan Centre & Residence has carved a reputation as one of the most preferred hotels for long-stays. We have been among the market leaders in terms of sports-tourism delegation, family and group vacations, and even in the business traveller segments.
“We are grateful to our loyal guests as we have made it this far. What keeps our guests coming back is our culture of service excellence – a passion that we share with each member of our team. We have honed key talents, who are part of our growth story and the success of this company.
“Our hard-working team members aim to deliver a unique hotel experience to each of our guests – extending a level of comfort and ease that can only be experienced at home.”
"Our hard-working team members aim to deliver a unique hotel experience to each of our guests – extending a level of comfort and ease that can only be experienced at home"
– Moussa El Hayek
Over the years, business has been boosted by numerous awards and accolades that Al Bustan Centre & Residence received from private and government organisations. Nurturing long-term business associations with industry partners, however, has also been as important as having loyal guests, El Hayek tells us.
“And since we have our shopping centre with 85 shops as part of the hotel complex, we are proud to house the largest destination for women’s bridal gowns and dresses,” he says.
“During the first quarter of 2022, we have witnessed a specific increase in hotel occupancy rate and are optimistic that the key markets in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, Eastern Europe and Russia will soon have an enhanced movement from recovery to stability.”
For the past decade, Al Bustan Centre & Residence prides itself as the preferred hospitality partner and official host hotel for all Fazza Championship delegations. “We value our long-term partnership with the Dubai Club for People of Determination – this partnership speaks volumes about our capabilities to service this market. We place great importance in meeting and exceeding the distinctive requirements of these individuals. We have a sufficient number of rooms equipped and designed to cater to people of determination and equally importantly, we have a highly trained staff and team who can accommodate them.
“This year, we have already hosted two Fazza Championships delegations in February and March, and we are expecting another delegation in the last quarter. Note that ease of restrictions and precautionary measures in holding events and conferences helped us to get more business and maximise the opportunity as we are gradually reaching a post-pandemic phase,” El Hayek points out.
With Al Bustan’s strong hold on the sports tourism market, a rise in bookings during FIFA World Cup 2022 is also expected. “Probably there will be an overspill in demand as Dubai is one of nearest transit locations and tourist will most likely to consider short-term stays during this period.
At ATM Dubai this year, Dubai’s 25-year-old hospitality institution will be focusing on long-stays (monthly and yearly), as they have a higher demand for this kind of business. “And since we are celebrating our 25th anniversary, we have amazing deals when you book within a specific period.”
* Find Al Bustan Centre & Residence in Hall 3, Dubai Stand, ME3110, Booth 24